Maya Religion, Past and Present

Maya religion within the culture of modern day Mexico is predominantly
formed by a combination of ancient Mayan beliefs alongside the more
recent introduction of the Roman Catholic faith.

The emergence and rise of the early Mayan population can be traced
back to the pre-classic period. However the existence of cultural
traditions are still very much evident today.

Christianity and Catholic beliefs became initially influential
within Mayan culture, when Hernan Cortez led a Spanish expedition to
Mexico in the 16th century.

The belief in a variety of Gods of nature was central in the
early traditions of Maya Religion. The leaders in the early community
formations were considered to be close to the Gods and links between
them and the people.

Some of the religious practices undertaken by the early
civilization however seem very extreme when we consider them today.
Human sacrifice were common, it was thought that human blood was
required as an offering to the Mayan Gods. The leaders in the community
were also required to regularly provide blood as an offering. They would
systematically cut themselves with thorns and spines to obtain the
blood.

The early Mayan culture believed that they traveled through the
underworld after death and would face many dangers and challenges on
their journey.

There are many Mayan communities living today. The community groups are usually found in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras.

Some of the methods undertaken by the early civilization may well
seem quite shocking to us now. However try and remember that these
beliefs and practices were not uncommon and in fact fairly widespread
amongst many civilizations of this time.

The Maya religion in modern day culture however is very different
to the practices of the past. The history of Mexico changed when the
Spanish arrived and they brought with them the knowledge and practice of
the Roman Catholic religion.

The practice of the Roman Catholic faith and the traditional
beliefs were combined to create a syncretic religion in Mayan
communities. These beliefs and practices are still in place within many
regions today.